On 1 May 2026, the EU’s trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, provisionally entered into force, creating a trading zone of over 700 million people. EFFOP welcomes this historic step toward stronger trade relations between Europe and South America. From day one, tariffs on 367 EU product lines drop to zero in Mercosur, with tariffs on more than 9,000 further product categories beginning to fall progressively…

As part of the European Ocean Pact, on 30 April 2026, the European Commission published its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation, covering the decade from 2014 to 2024. The evaluation acknowledges that expanded monitoring and reporting requirements generate additional costs across the fishing sector, and that efficiency depends strongly on how Member States implement the rules, with fragmented or uneven application reducing cost-effectiveness.…

EU regulation on PFAS  is entering a decisive phase. A broad EU-wide restriction on the production, use and placing on the market of PFAS is moving forward towards adoption in 2027. This development forms part of the European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the broader ambition to move towards a toxic-free environment, supported by the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan. Most recently, in mid-March 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)…

In the report Responsible use of fishmeal in aquaculture (2025) FAO explores how the fed aquaculture sector has advanced and improved the use of fishmeal as a feed source based on recent scientific and technological developments. The report highlights that the use of fishmeal in feed for aquaculture has declined over time, even though aquaculture production continues to grow. This suggests that the growth in aquaculture has not driven an increase in captured fisheries used…

The Market Advisory Council (MAC) has adopted new advice on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), underlining the need to address contamination at its source rather than further down the seafood value chain. Adopted March 24, the advice reflects priorities promoted by EFFOP – Marine Nutrients Europe. Ensuring a healthy marine environment is fundamental, not only for food safety, but because the seafood sector depends directly on clean and productive seas. The root…

EFFOP has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Vision aims to establish a long-term, holistic framework for the future of European fisheries and aquaculture. It seeks to strengthen food security, safeguard marine resources, and support innovation, competitiveness, and the green and digital transition across the sector. EFFOP welcomes the initiative and emphasize that: A Vision…